Mining Glossary

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

W

Wall - The side of a lode; the overhanging side is know as the hanging wall and the lower lying side as the footwall. The face of a longwall working or stall, commonly called coal wall. A rib of solid coal between two rooms; also, the side of an entry.

Washery - A place at which ore, coal, or crushed stone is freed from impurities or dust by washing. Also called wet separation plant.

Wheel Excavator - A large-capacity machine for excavating loose deposits, particularly at quarries and opencast coalpits. It consists of a digging wheel, rotating on a horizontal axle, and carrying large buckets on its rim.

Wire Rod - Hot-rolled coiled stock that is made into wire.

Working Place - The place in a mine at which coal or ore is being actually mined.